A doctor is recommending a particular type of nut (Image: Pexels)
A daily dose of hazelnuts could be a game-changer for heart health, boasting an ability to slash disease risk significantly. Dr Emma Patel highlighted the common nut’s surprising health benefits, often overlooked due to its association with sweet treats.
Packed with monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, hazelnuts are powerful in supporting cardiovascular functions, improving blood lipid profiles, quelling inflammation, and boosting arterial health.
Dr Patel has been investigating the potential of home-grown produce in partnership with and champions the inclusion of hazelnuts in diets for their ease of cultivation at home. She extolled the virtues of the humble nut, saying: “Hazelnuts are not only delicious, but also incredibly versatile. What sets them apart is their accessibility – they’re easy to grow at home, making them a sustainable and practical addition to any heart-healthy diet.”
The health claims are backed by research published in The European Journal of Nutrition, where participants ingesting 25g of hazelnuts each day noted a remarkable 12% decrease in LDL cholesterol within a mere four weeks—translating to a staggering 30% diminished risk of heart disease over a year when consumed regularly.
Hazelnuts are being hailed as a heart-health marvel due to their rich content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, which are known to fight oxidative stress and prevent damage to arteries. The presence of magnesium in these nuts is also crucial for regulating blood pressure and ensuring the heart functions properly, making them an even more valuable addition to a health-conscious diet.
As the trend towards natural and sustainable health solutions grows, hazelnuts are increasingly recognised as a superfood that can be grown locally. An Ashridge Trees expert has endorsed the nut, saying: “Hazelnuts are an ideal choice for anyone looking to plant a tree with lasting value. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and provide consistent yields year after year. Beyond the environmental benefits of growing your own food, you also get the satisfaction of enjoying fresh, nutrient-rich hazelnuts straight from your garden.”
With food prices on the rise and environmental concerns mounting, the expert suggests that planting a hazelnut tree is a straightforward yet significant move towards improved health and sustainability. Adding hazelnuts into your diet is simpler than it seems, they added.
The revelation of hazelnuts’ heart-protecting qualities comes as heart disease continues to be a worldwide health catastrophe, taking over 17.9 million lives each year, as per the World Health Organization. While medical interventions are crucial, dietary prevention is an incredibly effective and attainable approach – and hazelnuts offer a natural, nutrient-rich method to bolster cardiovascular health.